Judge urges Laura Ashley chief and ex-wife to negotiate in divorce

A High Court judge has told a Laura Ashley boss and his and ex-wife to try to settle their differences despite years of fighting in courts.

Malaysian mother-of-five Pauline Chai, 70, and her ex-husband 78-year-old Khoo Kay Peng are fighting over tens of millions of pounds at a trial in the Family Division of London's High Court following the breakdown of their 42-year marriage.

Mr Justice Bodey began analysing evidence on Thursday March 9, and the hearing is expected to last some weeks.

Ms Chai, a former beauty queen who lives in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, wants to walk away with more than £100 million.

She says their asset kitty is at least £205 million and she should get a 50% share.

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